‘Enemies for life!’ It's a phrase that echoes the raw intensity of one of the most legendary feuds in combat sports: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier. Just when you thought the ice might be thawing, things have taken a dramatic, and arguably even more personal, turn.
Their rivalry, already etched in UFC history, seemed to be entering a new, perhaps even amicable, chapter when it was announced that these two former champions would be facing off as coaches in the next season of ‘Alf Reality,’ a Russian show similar to The Ultimate Fighter. This came as a genuine shock to UFC fans worldwide.
The show, set in Thailand, reunited Jones, who participated in the previous season alongside Nate Diaz in what many considered a bizarre pairing that ended prematurely after a reported massive brawl. But this time, it’s different. This time, it's Cormier.
What is the greatest rivalry in UFC history, anyway? We've seen some truly epic clashes over the years. Let us know your personal favorite in the comments below – we're eager to hear your thoughts!
But here's where it gets controversial... After spending time together filming, Jones unleashed an expletive-laden tirade directed at Cormier. While 'Bones' has seemingly attempted to mend fences with 'DC' over the years (though Cormier has appeared less enthusiastic), this recent outburst suggests a deeper, more personal animosity.
Earlier this week, Cormier himself offered insights into what it was like being around Jones again during filming. While DC seemed to paint a picture of progress, claiming they were in a 'different place,' Jones' experience appears to have been markedly different.
This past Thursday, Jones told Red Corner MMA that he and Cormier would be 'enemies for life,' backing it up with a blistering verbal attack.
"Last season I was with Diaz, (Jorge) Masvidal, Yoel Romero, it was so much fun, it was light hearted, it was cool, we hung out and made good memories together, this season against Daniel Cormier, oh man."
"What a stuffy, just d—head Cormier really is. I think if you really get to know Daniel Cormier he’s really not (a nice person), he’s an a–hole, he really is an a–hole."
"He didn’t really connect with any of the fighters here, he’s just an a–hole. I tried to make peace with him many times and he made it very clear that he wants to be enemies for life because of how lucrative it is, and he’s just, I don’t know."
"There was moments where we got to laugh but for the most part he’s a d—head. You look at the way he treats his staff members, he brought like 10 yes men out with him and literally, ‘go get me my water. Where’s my this? Why is that this’, he’s just bossing his guys around."
"And the times we weren’t filming he wasn’t very sociable with the people on set, he’s just a d—head, I think people that really work with him will know that.”
And this is the part most people miss: Jones claims Cormier wants to be enemies, suggesting it's a calculated move for publicity and financial gain. Is he right, or is this just Jones trying to deflect from his own role in the ongoing feud?
Adding fuel to the fire, Cormier actually challenged Jones to a wrestling match, even threatening to 'kick his ass.' Beyond that, the UFC commentator revealed he'd agreed to box Jones during their time on the reality show. Talk about tension!
Despite the seemingly endless animosity, the likelihood of any future competition between these two titans remains slim, considering their ages and current career paths. But the drama? That's clearly still very much alive.
What do you think? Is this just a case of two alpha personalities clashing, or is there something deeper at play? Could Cormier be strategically playing the villain, as Jones suggests? Let us know your take in the comments below! Do you think this rivalry is good for the sport, or has it crossed a line? We're eager to hear your perspective!
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